Singapore in 5 Days: everything you need to know

Singapore is a futuristic city with many entertainment options available, so it seems difficult to organise an itinerary without leaving something out. Don't worry! Five days offers a perfect window of time to explore the best things to do in the city. This way, you'll be able to discover the most fascinating sights, such as the Madame Tussauds Museum.

You'll also have the chance to relax in green spaces like the Botanical Gardens, visit the ethnic neighbourhoods and see the older areas. Of course, don't forget to take advantage of all the magical attractions at Universal Studios Singapore, as well as getting lost in the most striking streets that will surely be etched in your memory. Five days will certainly be enough to experience a memorable holiday, so here's how to organise it!

Make the most of your first day to see Singapore's most fascinating wonders. You'll probably be tired after a long flight, so take it easy and just enjoy your time. Start your evening at the local zoo, which can be seen both day and night. Afterwards, stroll along the Singapore River waterfront or embark on a fun boat adventure. At the end of the day, sample local dishes at the traditional Lau Pa Sat market and return relaxed to your hotel.

Singapore Zoo

After a couple of hours in the gardens, you'll probably still have a little time left over. Take a taxi to the Singapore Zoo in less than twenty minutes. As such, it's open from 8.30am to 6pm and is well worth a tour for its daytime activities that take you around 2,800 animals grouped into themed zones. Here you can enjoy a walk through the park, hop on and off the electric train, watch the little Asian otters at play and immerse yourself in educational workshops.

If you're looking for a different kind of experience I recommend exploring the zoo's night side, which costs extra but is well worth it. On board a tram or on foot you'll see the routine of nocturnal creatures, which wake up as soon as the sun goes down. Observe their habitat in a controlled environment to see how they hunt, play and eat.

Singapore River

The key to surviving a long itinerary is to include breaks and relaxing activities, which is why I like the Singapore River for a 5-day visit. It's a twenty-minute taxi ride from the museum, but can also be accessed via SBS Transit bus 123. Here you can spend the afternoon swarming along the waterfront to appreciate the electrifying lifestyle of the docks. Or perhaps take advantage of the best local tours, which allow you to cruise along in a comfortable and fascinating boat.

It's a sensory experience, as you cruise along the canals and appreciate the city from a different perspective and marvel at the mix of smells, sounds and colours. It is impossible to be indifferent to the imposing skyscrapers that loom over the boat. And you're sure to gasp at the sight of green spaces everywhere, such as the metallic Supertrees in the Bay Gardens. You'll also see landmarks and areas such as Clarke Quay, Coleman Bridge, the Merlion Statue and part of Singapore's financial centre.

Lau Pa Sat Market

To end the day you can take a taxi or the 186 bus to reach the famous Lau Pa Sat Market in less than ten minutes. For a dreamy experience, consider a ride on one of Singapore's best sightseeing buses, whose night-time route usually takes you to this iconic location for some of the most delicious dishes on the Asian scene. In any case, this modern Hawker is open 24 hours a day and is a favourite stop after a long night of partying.

It is located in Singapore's vibrant financial district, which is bustling and trendy. It is also one of the best food stops in the city, as it is one of the oldest Victorian structures in Southeast Asia. Tasty tastings, live entertainment and cultural performances line its passages.

Of course, you can't pass through Singapore without visiting Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island at least once, as it would be like going to the United States and not visiting Disney. This park ensures fun and will consume most of your day, in the late afternoon check out an authentic market on Bugis Street and explore the nightlife of Clarke Quay.

Universal Studios Singapore

To reach your first destination, simply purchase a Sky Pass for the Sentosa Cable Car, which is available from 8.45am. This way, you'll be able to access the island via various stops thatconnect to several of Singapore's most iconic attractions. It's an adventure that gives you amazing panoramic views and reduces travel times, saving energy for your day.

This will take you to Universal Studios Singapore, a magical stop that captivates children and adults alike, so it's not uncommon to find endless queues. However, it's well worth it as the themed areas take you on a journey through the most iconic films and series. You'll have the chance to walk the Hollywood Promenade, teleport yourself to the charm of New York, climb more thrilling mountains in the Futuristic City or have your photo taken with the characters from Shrek as they swarm through the authentic realm of Far Far Away.

Ancient Egypt has a place here too, and the Penguins of Madagascar roam the grounds, spreading laughter and helping you make good memories. There are also food areas where you can sample the characters' favourite dishes. Alternatively, stop by the souvenir shop for mugs, T-shirts, stuffed animals and many other items to evidence your Singapore holiday.

Bugis Street

During your holiday you can give Bugis Street, a fascinating shopping street that is often overlooked but well worth a visit. It is located approximately eighteen minutes away by taxi, it is important to consider that it is a busy area at rush hour and this can lengthen the route, upon arrival you will be rewarded withan authentic historical heritage.

There are some fascinating food experiences to be had here, in fact the area is dominated by the street market and hawker shops. Sample a variety of Singaporean dishes or shop for clothing with an Asian flair, just be aware that you can visit until 22:00. In general, you'll find open-air spaces and a variety of offerings amidst bustling, colourful and fragrant passages that will guide you.

Clarke Quay

The coordinates of your itinerary will lead you to discover Singapore's most exciting nightlife area, known as Clarke Quay. It's less than a five-minute bus ride away and most transport links connect to this area seamlessly. In fact, if you want to venture out for a guided experience, you can consider the night route of Singapore's best tour buses that usually stop at this Singapore riverfront wonderland.

This lively area is home to the highlights of Singapore sightseeing at night, such as the GX-5 extreme swing in Singapore which offers an intense 3-minute ride at over 120 km/h and can be enjoyed daily from 4:30 to 23:00 and on Saturdays until the wee hours of the morning. Of course, you can also relax and have a drink on the terraces with panoramic views, or party in the nightclubs on the perimeter.

After exploring Clarke Quay late into the evening, you'll probably want to recharge or relax. After passing through Universal Studio, you will have seen the Sentosa Island spaces in particular. So, on day 3, I recommend you head there for a change of scenery, to soak up some vitamin D and escape the noise pollution.

Specifically, I recommend spending most of the day exploring the 101-hectare expanse of the Bay Gardens and at the end of the day checking out the quirky Madame Tussauds Museum, one of Singapore' s best museums where wax dolls will return your gaze.

Gardens by the Bay

Singapore is known for its green spaces and eco-friendly initiatives, with the Bay Gardens boasting more than a million exotic plants, including specimens from all five continents. Not for nothing is it one of the most popular attractions, as people are attracted by the metallic Supertrees whose futuristic aesthetics will not leave you indifferent.

I dare say it has positioned itself as the most famous park in Singapore, with its beautiful greenhouse, cultural events ideal if you plan to visit the city at Christmas and nightly cultural shows that embellish your stay.

Madame Tussauds Museum

Madame Tussauds Museum is a local gem that can't be missed on a complete itinerary, located a ten-minute drive from the Gardens. This international chain is renowned for its wax dolls, which are divided into themed rooms revolving around sports, music, entertainment, K-pop, politics and history.

It's usually open from 10:00 to 18:00 and you can venture out for photo shoots with your favourite celebrities, red carpets where you'll feel like a real celebrity, interactive 4D experiences, jungle safaris and simulation games. It's an ideal destination if you're looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, and the best part is that it's often included in the city's best sightseeing cards.

Of course, a visit to Singapore is not complete without a tour of the ethnic areas. Diverse communities from Asia, Europe and other continents have arrived in the country, enriching the culture and history. The most popular are Chinatown and Little India, but the country has many areas that demonstrate multiculturalism and are worth a look.

Chinatown

Chinatown is captivating in its different facets around the world, in fact this culture has adapted to different environments and Singapore is no exception. Here you will find iconic streets such as Pagoda Street, Smith Street and Trengganu Street that exude a vibrant energy and have become one of the best things to do in the city for their ethnic richness.

The colourful street markets are very popular and allow you to experience Chinese cuisine during guided tours or perhaps on your own, buy souvenirs and delight in cultural performances. You can also sample authentic Chinese tea and visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum which preserves the Buddha's tooth, one of Southeast Asia's most important treasures. And if you're in town in February, don't miss out on the Chinese New Year activities and rituals.

Little India

Just a five-minute taxi ride and a ten-minute underground ride away are the wonders of Little India. The Hindu quarter is one of the richest locations for history and culture, where you can visit the old Tan Teng Niah House, a historical landmark built in 1900. If you plan to visit Singapore in November you must make a stop at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, where the religious and spiritual rituals will hardly leave you indifferent.

Also, hidden here is the oldest mosque in Singapore, known as the Abdul Gaffoor Mosque, a building that shows the fusion of Muslim and Indian culture. Here you will be fascinated by the smell of incense, the colours of this unique neighbourhood and the history of the first Indian immigrants. Please note that Singapore' s tour buses often offer stops here and walking tours.

End this fascinating journey beyond the popular sites and allow yourself to delve into **Singapore'**s past. From an island that was founded more than 5,000 years ago, to an ethnic neighbourhood that is considered the oldest urban area on the perimeter, here's a fascinating walk.

Pulau Ubin Island

Start your day with positive energy on Pulau Ubin Island, which can be reached by a mixed route that starts on the metro, continues aboard the public bus and ends in a short ferry ride of about ten minutes. In all, it will take you an hour to reach this paradise, but I promise you it's worth it. It's the opposite of the bustling Sentosa Island, in fact its nature trails are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Here you'll find an island more than five thousand years old where you can visit the original granite tile-making village, or climb the Jejawi Tower which offers panoramic views of this Singaporean beauty. You can also go mountain biking, wildlife exploring, kayaking and fishing. You can visit on your own or take advantage of Singapore's best tours.

Kampong Glam

The last stop will take you back to the city, for which you have to reverse the one-hour journey by combining ferry, bus and underground. This will take you to Singapore's Arab quarter, better known as Kampong Glam. It is one of the first local areas and its antiquity can be seen in every corner. Here I recommend you stop at the famous Sultan Mosque, or appreciate the colourful Arab Street which offers a sensory experience where you can touch fabrics and carpets, taste traditional dishes and smell the scents of the region.

The Sultan's Palace is another important stop, as it is a place of historical interest whose construction dates back to 1840 by Sultan Ali. Here you'll learn more about the history of British colonisation and feel like you've travelled back in time.

A 5-day itinerary offers a complete overview of all there is to see and do in Singapore. You'll have a wide window of time with walks around historic sites, popular attractions and tours of Sentosa Island. The best thing is that you won't be rushed and can enjoy a relaxing holiday.